Charlotte, NC, July 23, 2025
News Summary
The City of Charlotte is investigating allegations of unethical conduct within its city council, involving top officials and a police chief settlement. Krista Bokhari accuses several leaders, including Mayor Lyles, of withholding information. This follows allegations tied to former council member Tariq Bokhari’s resignation. The investigation, conducted by Cranfill Sumner at $300 per hour, aims to ensure transparency amid serious ethical concerns regarding council practices and procedures.
Charlotte, NC – The City of Charlotte has officially engaged the law firm Cranfill Sumner to conduct an investigation into allegations of unethical conduct within the city council. The city will pay the firm at a rate of $300 per hour, although specific details about the allegations and the council members involved have not been disclosed by city officials.
The investigation stems from serious claims made by Krista Bokhari, the wife of former council member Tariq Bokhari. She alleges that several city leaders, including Mayor Vi Lyles, City Manager Marcus Jones, and Interim City Attorney Anthony Fox, were involved in withholding information relevant to a legal settlement with police chief Johnny Jennings. Krista Bokhari believes these actions may indicate unethical and potentially illegal behavior.
Her allegations follow a press conference where Mayor Lyles denied any knowledge of unethical conduct among council members. Krista Bokhari expressed concerns that the ongoing investigation would not be thorough, citing Fox’s involvement as a possible conflict of interest. She indicated a willingness to share further details about her allegations.
In a significant development, Tariq Bokhari resigned from his council position on April 28 to become a deputy administrator at the Federal Transit Administration. The allegations related to the police chief involve Jennings’s participation in discussions concerning an ethics complaint filed against Tariq Bokhari, which had been dismissed prior to his resignation. Krista Bokhari asserts that city council members were not made aware of this dismissal during closed session meetings.
The controversy traces back to disputes over police officer equipment, specifically bulletproof vests. Allegations have arisen that Jennings’s aides played a role in filing an inadequately constructed ethics complaint against Tariq Bokhari. Furthermore, Krista Bokhari contends that the council’s approval of a settlement payment to Jennings lacks formal legal justification. The precise amount of the settlement remains undisclosed, as city officials have not made relevant public records available.
According to Krista Bokhari, the motivation behind the settlement was driven by unsubstantiated threats from Jennings, and claimed that there were no grounds for any legal complaints regarding his work environment. Additionally, issues of procedural inconsistencies arose regarding how votes during closed sessions were counted, highlighting potential legal and ethical concerns.
In a related context, City Attorney Anthony Fox previously suggested that leaking information from closed sessions could result in criminal penalties, a comment that he later clarified. Council member Victoria Watlington raised concerns about transparency and governance within the council, prompting a public discussion about these allegations. Watlington has also emphasized the necessity of improved transparency and adherence to procedural protocols in council meetings.
The response from the city council regarding the series of allegations reflects broader frustrations with dissenting opinions and decision-making processes among council members. Following the controversy, Mayor Lyles issued a public apology to Chief Jennings for not supporting him during the turbulent situation with Tariq Bokhari.
Background Information
The events leading to the current investigative proceedings began with tensions around police equipment procurement, particularly concerning bulletproof vests. The departure of Tariq Bokhari from the council has intensified scrutiny around internal council dynamics and ethical standards. The ongoing investigation will investigate all claims thoroughly to ensure transparency and accountability within the city’s governance.
Conclusion
The investigation initiated by the City of Charlotte into alleged unethical conduct within the city council raises significant concerns regarding internal ethics and procedures. With ongoing investigations and public scrutiny, it is essential for the city to uphold transparency and integrity in its governance.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the investigation by Cranfill Sumner?
The investigation aims to look into claims of unethical conduct within the City of Charlotte city council, particularly related to a settlement involving police chief Johnny Jennings.
Who has made allegations of unethical conduct?
The allegations have been made by Krista Bokhari, wife of former council member Tariq Bokhari, concerning several city officials.
What were the allegations against the police chief?
Krista Bokhari claims that the police chief was involved in creating an ethics complaint against her husband, which was dismissed without council members being informed.
How much is the city paying the law firm for the investigation?
The City of Charlotte is paying the law firm Cranfill Sumner $300 per hour for the investigation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Carolina’s General Assembly Enacts Oversight for Urban Governance
Mass Shooting in Uptown Charlotte Leaves One Dead
CATS to Terminate Leases for Businesses at Transportation Center
Charlotte Enters Critical Election Cycle Amid Controversies
Airport Workers Strike for Better Wages and Safety
Tragedy Strikes Monroe High School Community
UNC Charlotte Administrator Terminated Over DEI Video
Mother Advocates Against Gun Violence in Charlotte
Charlotte Police Chief Johnny Jennings Announces Retirement
Charlotte Police Chief Johnny Jennings Announces Retirement
Additional Resources
- WCCB Charlotte: City of Charlotte Hires Law Firm
- Charlotte Observer: Ethical Allegations in City Council
- WBTV: Charlotte Leaders Reject Misconduct Allegations
- QC Nerve: Victoria Watlington on Council Claims
- Charlotte Observer: Allegations Against City Officials
- Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Google Search: City of Charlotte Investigation
- Google Scholar: Charlotte City Council Ethics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte
- Google News: Charlotte City Council News
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
